Contact lenses for keratoconus

Keratoconus is a relatively rare eye disease that affects the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye. In this condition, the cornea gradually weakens and thins, causing it to bulge into a cone-like shape and distorting vision. As a result, people with keratoconus often experience blurred and distorted vision, sensitivity to light and difficulty with night vision. Fortunately, advances in eye care have led to various treatment options, with contact lenses being one of the most effective choices for treating the vision impairments associated with keratoconus.

What is keratoconus?

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Although its exact cause is not fully understood, it is believed to be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. When the cornea changes shape, its ability to focus light on the retina is impaired, leading to distorted vision.

Conditions that require contact lenses for keratoconus:

Contact lenses become a preferred option for people with keratoconus when eyeglasses are no longer effective in correcting vision. As the condition progresses, the irregular shape of the cornea makes it challenging for glasses to correct vision adequately. Contact lenses, on the other hand, sit directly on the surface of the eye, conform to its shape and provide a smoother optical surface.

Indications for treatment with contact lenses for keratoconus:

Contact lenses serve several purposes in the treatment of keratoconus:

• Vision correction: specially designed contact lenses can compensate for the irregularity in the cornea, improve visual acuity and reduce distortions in vision.
• Comfort and adaptability: contact lenses provide better comfort and stability for people with keratoconus, allowing natural eye movements and better adaptation to changing light conditions.
• Slowing progression: although more research is needed in this area, contact lenses can apparently slow the progression of keratoconus.

How contact lenses affect vision:

Contact lenses for keratoconus work by creating a smooth, consistent surface over the distorted cornea. This allows light to enter the eye more accurately, leading to clearer vision. Because the lenses are in direct contact with the eye, they move with it, providing more consistent focus compared to eyeglasses. Effective treatment with contact lenses for keratoconus is essential for maintaining quality of life and preventing further deterioration of vision. Improved vision through contact lenses can enhance daily activities and overall wellbeing.

Types of contact lenses for keratoconus:

There are several types of contact lenses for managing keratoconus:

• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP): these are the most common contact lenses for keratoconus. They offer excellent clarity and provide a smooth optical surface that compensates for the irregularity of the cornea. They are a type of contact lens made of a stable, oxygen-permeable material. These lenses are designed to rest on the cornea, providing a smooth optical surface that compensates for the irregularities caused by keratoconus. Because of their rigid nature, RGP lenses are more resistant to damage, making them more effective over the long term with proper care. In addition, because RGP lenses do not contain water like soft lenses, they are less prone to attracting debris and protein deposits, leading to a lower risk of infections.
• Hybrid lenses: these combine the advantages of RGP lenses and soft lenses. They have an RGP center for vision correction and a soft outer ring for added comfort. The RGP center provides excellent visual clarity, while the soft outer ring improves comfort and stability. This design makes hybrid lenses especially useful for those with moderate to severe keratoconus. However, fitting hybrid lenses may be more complex than traditional lenses, and they may require more frequent follow-ups to ensure proper fit and comfort.
• Scleral lenses: these large-diameter lenses cover the entire surface of the cornea, resting on the white part of the eye (the sclera). Scleral lenses are ideal for advanced cases of keratoconus, offering improved comfort and stability. Their larger size and position on the sclera offer improved stability and comfort, making them suitable for those who struggle with other types of lenses. However, because of their size and complexity, scleral lenses require precise fitting by an experienced ophthalmologist. That is, scleral lenses are often recommended for people with severe keratoconus, irregular corneal astigmatism, or those who have undergone corneal transplant surgery.

Each type of contact lens mentioned above offers unique advantages and considerations for people with keratoconus. Choosing the most suitable lens will depend on the severity of the condition, individual eye characteristics and personal preferences. A comprehensive evaluation and consultation with an ophthalmologist who specializes in fitting contact lenses for keratoconus are essential to achieve optimal vision correction and comfort.

The process of fitting contact lenses for keratoconus:

Fitting contact lenses for keratoconus requires the expertise of an ophthalmologist. The process includes:

• Comprehensive eye examination: a specialist ophthalmologist will perform a thorough examination, including corneal mapping, to determine the extent of the irregularity in the cornea.
• Lens selection: based on the examination results, the most suitable type of contact lens will be chosen.
• Customization: contact lenses are usually customized to fit the unique shape of the patient's cornea.
• Trial period: patients will wear the trial lenses to evaluate their comfort and vision correction.
• Follow-up: regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor the effectiveness of the lenses and make any necessary adjustments.

Comparison with other treatments:

While contact lenses are an effective option for managing keratoconus, other treatments can be considered in more advanced cases. These include:

• Corneal Cross-Linking: a procedure to strengthen the cornea and slow the progression of keratoconus.
• The use of small implants inserted into the cornea to reshape it and improve vision.
• Corneal transplant: in severe cases where the cornea is extensively damaged, a corneal transplant may be required.

Risks of wearing contact lenses:

Although contact lenses are generally safe, there are some risks associated with their use, including:

• Discomfort and dryness: some users may experience discomfort or dryness, especially during the initial wear.
• Infections: improper care or hygiene of the lenses can lead to eye infections, although maintaining cleanliness and proper wear can minimize this risk.
• Corneal ulcers: in rare cases, prolonged use or poor hygiene can lead to corneal ulcers, which require immediate medical treatment.

Cost of contact lenses for keratoconus:

Some health funds offer a discount or reimbursement for the purchase of contact lenses for keratoconus. Health fund members are entitled to check the various benefit tracks in the health fund to which they belong accordingly. Beyond contact lenses for keratoconus patients, patients are often entitled to a discount on the purchase of optical sunglasses and eyeglass lenses.

Summary:

Contact lenses offer a valuable solution for people with keratoconus, providing improved vision and improved quality of life. Their ability to correct irregular shapes of the cornea makes them an essential treatment option for coping with the vision impairments caused by this condition. If you suspect you have keratoconus or you are experiencing vision disturbances, it is essential to turn to a specialist ophthalmologist to ensure early diagnosis and appropriate treatment with contact lenses for keratoconus or other treatments. Always follow the recommendations of an ophthalmologist for proper wear and maintenance of contact lenses to ensure the best outcome for your vision and eye health.